I decided to start a project log of one of my many project bikes. I figure if i start the log, then I will be forced into making progress. The pictures will be coming this weekend (as soon as I organize the shop).
So this is what the project consists of:
I was given a 1981 Yamaha XS400 frame and engine. Nothing else. I have been acquiring parts as I go. Currently right now, I have the engine, frame, swingarm, rear shocks, battery box, airbox and wiring harness. I also have misc RZ350 parts... front end, swingarm and wheels.
The idea is to bolt the RZ350 front end to the frame. It fits, this has already been done.
I am going to modify the frame to take the RZ swingarm. This will be a pain as the swingarm pivot point is a little larger than the stock swingarm. plus the RZ has a monoshock suspension whil stock is a dual shock setup.
More modifications to the frame include cleanup of all the brackets that will not be needed. Removing the center stand. removing half of the subframe section and support to allow a cafe style seat.
The seat and tank will be carbon fiber units to my design.
The headlight bucket will be CF as well with CNC'd mounts.
The kickstand will be one of my signature CF items.
Rearsets will be designed and CNC'd.
I am keeping the airbox for induction instead of going to filter pods. This will allow me to run CF velocity stacks. Again, the airbox will be reconstructed from carbon fiber.
The engine will be cleaned up, powder coated and have new seals and gaskets. I may go to oversize pistons... I may not. The head will be velocity ported (not hogged out porting) with new cams. I am also thinking of using a microsquirt setup and fuel injecting the engine. Not sure about this as it is a HUGE undertaking.
The front fender will be used as a mold for a custom CF unit.
As you can see, it is getting an upgrade. Not quite the standard cafe build.
Thoughts?
Eric